Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Clarksville, TN: $66.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Clarksville, TN runs $66.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,890 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Clarksville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clarksville, Tennessee, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $66.29, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, this rate translates into substantial earnings, especially in traditional settings like en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport traffic control towers. The hourly compensation for air traffic controllers in the area spans from $38.45 at entry-level positions to $99.91 for the most experienced professionals. It's important to note that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the financial landscape for those looking to work in a demanding, high-pressure environment that supports aviation safety.
About the Clarksville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.45 | $307.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.74 | $381.89 |
| Median (P50) | $66.29 | $530.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.86 | $678.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.91 | $799.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clarksville
Based on $66.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.29/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clarksville, TN can expect to earn approximately $137,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,549. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clarksville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clarksville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,651.64 | $11,490 | $137,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,590.98 | $6,894 | $82,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,060.66 | $4,596 | $55,154 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Clarksville) | $66.29 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Clarksville, TN earn a median of $137,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the Tennessee state average of $139,424.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.29/hr = $82,731/year (purchasing power: $90,121).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,885/year (purchasing power: $150,202).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Clarksville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Clarksville grew 20.4% from $53.68/hr (2019) to $64.63/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.99/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clarksville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Clarksville
For a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week, the annual earnings would amount to approximately $103,680 based on 24 hours of work per week, representing a sizeable income compared to many other professions. However, controllers often find themselves in positions requiring overtime, significantly elevating their effective hourly compensation. Many controllers in Clarksville may work 50-60 hours a week, resulting in annual overtime pay that can add an additional $50,000 to $100,000 or more to their total income. Engagements with various employer types—from FAA en route centers to contract towers—can lead to differing hourly rates and benefits, with some opting for lower pay in exchange for robust health insurance offerings. Negotiation strategies are vital for hourly workers; being informed about facility demand and staffing needs can aid in achieving better pay rates and terms in Clarksville's air traffic control job market.
More salary data for Clarksville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Clarksville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clarksville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov